Famous Flavors

Excess Sodium Creates Silent Cardiovascular Havoc Excess Sodium Creates Silent Cardiovascular Havoc (Image Credits: Unsplash) The amount of sodium lurking in processed foods would shock most consumers. Americans consume more than 3,300 milligrams (mg) of sodium per day, on average. This is well above the federal recommendation of less than 2,300 mg of sodium daily for teens and adults as part of a healthy eating pattern. This excess isn’t coming from your salt shaker at home. Adults in the United States consume up to 70% of their sodium from processed foods such as soups, tomato sauce, condiments and canned goods. … Read more

Apple Pie – The Symbol of American Home Apple Pie – The Symbol of American Home (Image Credits: Unsplash) Apple pie holds the crown as America’s most symbolic dessert, yet its journey to our tables tells a fascinating story of cultural adaptation. The roots of apple pie can be traced back to medieval England, where early recipes involved a mixture of apples, spices, and a simple pastry crust, with European settlers bringing their culinary traditions to the American colonies where apples quickly became a staple in the orchards of New England. The abundance of this hardy fruit in the New … Read more

Perfection Salad – The Competition Winner That Started It All Perfection Salad – The Competition Winner That Started It All (Image Credits: Pixabay) In 1904, a Mrs. John E. Cooke of New Castle, Pennsylvania, took third place in a recipe contest with this lemony, vinegary take on the molded Jell-O salad, winning a new sewing machine for her entry. Perfection Salad was a homemaking magazine favorite for decades thereafter, in various incarnations. This gelatin masterpiece became the gold standard for molded salads across America. The recipe called for cabbage, celery, carrots, and whatever vegetables were available, all suspended in a … Read more

Hoover Stew: The People’s Dish Hoover Stew: The People’s Dish (Image Credits: Unsplash) Named after President Herbert Hoover, this stew became a common meal in soup kitchens and struggling households. It was a simple, filling dish made with whatever was available – usually pasta, canned tomatoes, and hot dogs or ground meat. Similar to macaroni with hot dogs, our modern-day guilty pleasure, Hoover Stew was made with macaroni, canned tomatoes, hot dogs, and canned corn or beans. It’s a delicious medley that many still make, but with less hot dogs. This meal was popular on soup kitchen lines and likely … Read more

Extra Virgin Olive Oil Takes The Crown Extra Virgin Olive Oil Takes The Crown (Image Credits: Pixabay) When it comes to the healthiest cooking oil, experts are nearly unanimous in their choice. Olive oil is the healthiest all-around cooking oil, and specifically, extra virgin olive oil is the absolute best among the healthiest cooking oils. What makes this Mediterranean staple so special? Nutrition and cooking experts agree that one of the most versatile and healthy oils to cook with and eat is olive oil, as long as it’s extra virgin. The “extra virgin” label is crucial because it indicates minimal … Read more

Granola Bars That Look Healthy But Act Like Candy Granola Bars That Look Healthy But Act Like Candy (Image Credits: Pixabay) You grab one thinking it’s a nutritious choice, but most commercial granola bars are sugar bombs in disguise. While there are some healthier protein bars on the market, many contain around 20 grams of added sugar, making their nutritional content similar to that of a candy bar. That is when I realized how much unwanted sugar is added to these store-bought bars and wondered if our bodies need that much sugar and other preservatives. The typical granola bar can … Read more

The Cheese Conundrum: Why Prices Are Rising The Cheese Conundrum: Why Prices Are Rising (image credits: unsplash) The rising cost of imported cheese has been a concern for many households, especially those who love to cook with a variety of cheeses. Tariffs have significantly impacted the price, making it less affordable for the average consumer. This situation is primarily due to trade tensions between countries, with tariffs being used as a negotiating tool. As a result, the once affordable imported cheeses from France, Italy, and other countries have become luxury items. This price hike has forced many to reconsider their … Read more

Natural Sweeteners Natural Sweeteners (image credits: pixabay) Chefs around the world are embracing natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, and agave nectar as healthier alternatives to refined sugar. These natural options don’t just sweeten dishes; they add unique flavors that can elevate the entire culinary experience. For instance, the floral undertones of honey can enhance a simple salad dressing, transforming it into something extraordinary. Maple syrup, with its rich, earthy flavor, is a favorite in breakfast dishes. According to the Journal of Food Science, these sweeteners often have a lower glycemic index than white sugar, making them a better choice … Read more

Chick-fil-A Egg White Grill: The Protein Powerhouse Chick-fil-A Egg White Grill: The Protein Powerhouse (Image Credits: Wikimedia) This protein-packed healthy fast food breakfast option features grilled chicken, fluffy egg whites and a slice of cheese, all sandwiched in an English muffin to deliver a filling 27 grams of protein and just 300 calories. Nutrition experts consistently rank this as their top choice when seeking maximum protein bang for your caloric buck. London loves the Egg White Grill’s protein-packed combo of grilled chicken and egg whites, plus cheese. The sandwich checks multiple nutritional boxes that matter most for sustained energy. Consider … Read more

Dark Chocolate Dark Chocolate (Image Credits: Wikimedia) This sweet treat not only satisfies your taste buds but helps relieve stress because the antioxidants and polyphenols can reduce the level of cortisol in the body. Dark chocolate is made from the cacao plant, which is also rich in Magnesium for a calming effect on the body. Look for dark chocolate with a cocoa content of 70% or higher. Research shows that these higher concentrations deliver maximum stress-fighting benefits. Dark chocolate contains flavonoids that lower cortisol levels and improve mood. For maximum benefits, choose dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa. The … Read more